Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese: A Bold Twist on Comfort Food

The Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese is a love letter to the classic comfort food with a twist. I’ve added smoked gouda and a dash of hot sauce to bring a smoky, spicy punch that makes this dish stand out in a crowd. It’s the kind of recipe that gets made when you want something familiar but with a little swagger.

Why this dish keeps calling me back

It’s the combination of smoky cheese, spicy heat, and creamy comfort that’s hard to resist. Every bite reminds me of home, chaos, and moments of quiet satisfaction. It’s a dish that feels bold but familiar, making it a go-to when I need a lift or a little rebellion in my meal.

Breaking down the bold flavors

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it’s the backbone of the cheese sauce, adding richness.
• Smoked gouda: Oozy, smoky, with a hint of caramel, it elevates the dish’s depth.
• Hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick that wakes up the creamy base.
• Butter and flour: Create a roux that thickens and binds the sauce perfectly.
• Pasta: Use good quality pasta—elbow macaroni or shells work best, capturing the sauce.
• Paprika: Sprinkled on top for a smoky, mild heat and color contrast.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture.

Tools of the trade for a creamy, crispy finish

• Large pot: For boiling pasta to perfect tenderness.
• Whisk: To smooth out roux and cheese sauce.
• Baking dish: To bake and finish the mac and cheese in the oven.
• Saucepan: For preparing the cheese sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep ingredients in check.

Step-by-step to the perfect Snoop Dogg Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and set aside.

Step 4: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes, until it smells toasty.

Step 5: Slowly pour in milk, whisking to create a smooth roux. Cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in shredded cheese, diced smoked gouda, and a splash of hot sauce. Let it melt into a velvety cheese sauce.

Step 7: Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Pour into a buttered baking dish.

Step 8: Top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.

Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 10: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking checkpoints to keep in mind

• Cheese sauce should be smooth and silky, not grainy. If it gets lumpy, whisk in a bit more milk.
• Pasta must be al dente—overcooked pasta turns mushy in the oven.
• Watch the top in the oven—once golden, it’s done. Don’t let it burn.
• Use fresh grated cheese for better melt and flavor. Pre-shredded can be dry and gritty.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Cheese sauce is grainy or too thick.? Add more milk to loosen a thick, lumpy sauce.
• Topping gets over-browned or burnt.? Reduce oven temperature or cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Pasta turns to mush in the oven.? Cook pasta a minute less to avoid mushiness.
• Lumpy roux or sauce.? Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.

Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese

This indulgent mac and cheese combines creamy cheese sauce with smoky gouda and a spicy hot sauce kick, baked to golden perfection. The dish features tender pasta coated in a velvety, cheesy mixture, topped with paprika for color and extra flavor. It’s a bold, comforting twist on a classic favorite with a smoky, spicy swagger.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or shells, cooked al dente
• 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
• 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced smoked gouda
• 1 dash hot sauce adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika for topping
• additional cheese as needed extra cheese for topping

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and set a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
   
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, filling the kitchen with a rich, toasted aroma. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it smells toasty and the mixture turns a light golden color.
   
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety, about 5 minutes.
   
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar, diced smoked gouda, and a splash of hot sauce. Keep whisking until all the cheese melts into a luscious, smooth sauce that smells cheesy and smoky.
   
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat every piece evenly. Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   
6. Top the dish with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for color and smoky flavor. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
   
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. The cheese will set slightly, making it easier to serve with a rich, crispy top and gooey inside. Dig in and enjoy the bold, smoky, spicy flavors!
   

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika directly into the cheese sauce. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Keep an eye on the top during baking to prevent burning.